The Trial of Joan of Arc

Given the prison setting, dialogue-heavy narrative, and not much action, The Trial of Joan of Arc used to be considered a minor work in Robert Bresson’s filmography. It made sense for the time. This particular trial has been portrayed in films before, and unlike the previous iterations, Bresson’s direction took on a more restrained approach. However, by sticking closely to the actual court transcripts, and focusing intently on Florence Delay’s performance, Bresson captured something closer to the reality of what Joan has experienced, rather than repeat what was depicted with the same melodrama. The Trial of Joan of Arc captured what it meant for Joan to cling onto her faith in spite of state and church politics of her time.

Rouen, Normandy, 1431, during the Hundred Years' War. After being captured by French soldiers from an opposing faction, Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans, is unjustly tried by an ecclesiastical court overseen by her English enemies.